4 Min Read Mobile apps can be very lucrative for businesses. However, certain products or services are more suited for them than others… Which begs the question: How do you know if your business needs a mobile app? Here are some pointers from us to help you decide.
Your services require location services
Whether you have a number of different locations or just one, location services can come in handy. For example, you could have your app direct customers to your store using GPS, or deliver certain messages via push notification when they are within a certain radius.
Your competitors already have mobile apps
Now, we’re not saying to simply follow what everyone else is doing. However, if the vast majority of your competitors have a mobile app, then maybe you should, too. You might even want to look at businesses that are in the same sector as yours but larger in size.
Your customers are mobile savvy
This is where audience research is crucial. After all, what’s the point of investing all this time and money into an app if your customers don’t even use them? It all depends on what the consumer finds useful. Some customers will simply not find use in an app, and would much prefer your website or even your physical store (if you have one).
On the other hand, if your customers are already highly mobile savvy, then creating a dedicated mobile app for them could benefit you immensely. Why? Because, essentially, an app takes all the competition out of your regular marketing communications. It delivers targeted messages straight to your target audience’s mobile devices.
Your idea needs a camera feature
Want to speed up the payment process by offering a card scanning function? How about allowing customers to add photos to support their returns claim? Whatever your idea, if it requires a camera feature, you might be better off creating a mobile app. This will make your customers’ lives easier because although they can still upload photos via your website, the process is much smoother and quicker when using an app.
You have a rewards system
Do you offer coupons to repeat customers, host sales often, or have customer loyalty cards? If so, a mobile app could provide a wealth of benefits for both your business and your customers.
For example, say that a customer purchases something from your app. You could have a push notification sent to their phone at a later date, thanking them for their patronage and offering them money off their next purchase.
Alternatively, you could send out a push notification whenever you’re holding a sale or event to entice people to purchase. And if you have a loyalty card system, making it electronic is perfect for the digital age we’re in. Customers can simply scan a barcode on their phones and reap the benefits of customer loyalty quickly and easily.
You offer delivery
A mobile app can make the delivery process quick and easy for customers. This, in turn, makes them more likely to purchase from you. For starters, a mobile app lets your customers track their order at the click of a button, which is always a nice touch. For luxury or high-end products, this is especially true.
Customer needs to return an item? No worries, an app can also handle the process with minimal fuss. They can organise the whole thing on the app, take their parcel to the closest courier and scan a barcode at the kiosk to complete the return. This is also important since people can be put off by companies whose returns are lengthy or difficult.
Do you think your business needs a mobile app?
We are a mobile app developer with extensive knowledge in building mobile applications for a variety of sectors. If you think your business would be the perfect fit for an app, get in touch on 01244 347 545, or send us an email at [email protected]
